One won’t surprise you a bit. Quarterback Drew Brees is a captain (as well as a New Orleans icon and unofficial member of the coaching staff).

But the list of captains was made up of two offensive players, two defensive players and one from special teams and I think they’re somewhat telling.

Right tackle Zach Strief was selected as the other offensive captain. I think this shows how far Strief has come. He joined the Saints in 2006 and was almost entirely a backup until starting 11 games last year. Looks like Strief has done a good job of gaining the respect of his teammates.

The defensive captains are safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Roman Harper. In addition to being captains, they have one other distinction. They each went through last season without an interception. I think the fact they were elected captains shows their teammates think the safeties will take on more important roles with new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Receiver/return man Courtney Roby was elected as the captain for special teams.